NOVEMBER

Resetting Stone Grave Markers

Wednesday, November 30, 2016, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Jason Church, Conservator, National Center for Technology and Training, National Park Service

This webinar covers the basics needed for resetting stone grave markers. Topics covered include an introduction to grave marker types, techniques for resetting ground-supported grave markers, stacked bases, and headstones with reinforcement pins, and how to remove damaged pins and replacement alternatives. Jason Church is a Materials Conservator in the Materials Research Program at the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training in Natchitoches, LA. Jason’s focus is in the coordination and development of the Center's national cemetery training initiative and related research.

From the North Side to Paisley Park: Exploring Prince’s Minnesota Connections

The program will focus on the research and evaluation of properties from the recent past associated with the musical genius and rock star Prince. Learn about the research underway to determine if those properties convey sufficient significance to qualify for listing on the National Register. Properties covered include Prince's childhood homes on the North Side of Minneapolis, select residences throughout his adult life including Paisley Park, and properties associated with his musical career – from the Capri Theater to First Avenue. Information on the work of local historical societies on archiving information on the recent music scene in the Twin Cities and in association with Paisley Park will also be presented.

Kristen Zschomler is the supervisor of MnDOT’s Cultural Resources Unit, and is a professionally qualified historian and archaeologist. She received Bachelor’s degrees in history and anthropology from the University of Minnesota, Morris; and a Master’s degree in anthropology from the University of Alabama. Kristen works extensively with historic bridges, and has overseen the rehabilitation, or is currently involved in the development of rehabilitation plans, for over 35 historic bridges in the state. She has also followed Prince since her teenage years, and is thrilled to be working on a project to identify and hopefully recognize through the National Register program Prince's association with properties in Minnesota.

Proper Care and Maintenance of Local Government Records

Learn how the Wisconsin Historical Society and Area Research Centers select, preserve, and provide access to historically important local government records throughout the state. The discussion will focus on how the Historical Society and the ARC Network care for historical local records, how state statutes mandate the management of public records, and how public records statutes impact both records creators and local historical societies.

Andrew Baraniak is the local government records archivist for the Wisconsin Historical Society. He graduated from Duquesne University (Pittsburgh) with a degree in Archival and Museum Studies in 2006. Before coming to the Historical Society, Andrew has worked in the archives of Carnegie Mellon University, Saint Francis University (PA), and the Wisconsin Veterans Museum.

Joshua Ranger has been the director of the UW Oshkosh Archives and Area Research Center since 1998. He is a 1998 graduate of the School of Library and Information Studies at the University of Wisconsin Madison. He also holds additional degrees from UW Madison and the University of Cape Town. Prior to taking the position in Oshkosh, Ranger worked in the state archives section of the Wisconsin Historical Society. He lives in Neenah and for many years was on the board of the Neenah Historical Society.

Planned Giving: Strengthening the Future of Your Historical Society

Learn what’s needed to put a planned giving program in place for your local historical society, hear about the various ways donors can make a planned gift, and discover how to market your program.

Jeanne Engle is a fundraising consultant based in Madison, WI. She was a major gifts officer with the Wisconsin Historical Foundation, where she managed the planned giving program, led the on-air fund drives for Wisconsin Public Radio, and wrote grants. Currently, Jeanne serves as a Development Specialist with Dane Buy Local, an association of locally-owned, independent businesses and she also consults with organizations, including local historical societies, about fundraising programs and plans.

JANUARY

What’s So Special About Your Place? National Geographic's Sustainable Tourism MapGuide Program

Wednesday, January 4, 2017 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

James Dion, Program Manager, Sustainable Tourism, National Geographic

Find out about the National Geographic Maps Program, which encourages adoption of sustainable tourism strategies around the world as part of the National Geographic's dedication to inspiring people to care about the planet.

Jim Dion is the Vice President – National Geographic Partnership for Solimar International, a partner with the National Geographic Maps. National Geographic’s Geotourism program is a program of the Maps Division. His work involves linking the world’s most important tourism destinations to the design capabilities of National Geographic Maps to create innovative maps and interactive websites to increase knowledge about sustainable tourism and foster destination stewardship of cultural, historic, and natural resources. Before joining Solimar International, Jim helped run the Center for Sustainable Destinations at National Geographic that inaugurated the Geotourism Program in 2003. Prior to that, he directed international ecotourism programs for conservation NGO’s in Mexico, Central America, and Asia. Jim’s interest in linking tourism to conservation and community development is an outgrowth of his more than 15 years of experience as a professional river and wilderness guide/outfitter. Jim founded and developed locally-run sustainable tourism businesses in Europe and North, Central, and South America.

Transfer of Historic Preservation Tax Credits to Private Non-profits

Wednesday, January 11, 2017, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Craig Kwammen, Tax Specialist, Wisconsin Department of Revenue

The webinar will focus on describing the differences between the two Wisconsin historic rehabilitation credits: the supplement to the federal historic rehabilitation tax credit and the state historic rehabilitation tax credit. Topics will include the requirements to claim the credits, how to claim the credits on the tax return, and the mechanics of selling/transferring the supplement to the federal historic rehabilitation tax credit.

Craig Kvammen is a Tax Specialist for the Wisconsin Department of Revenue's Office of Technical Services, specializing in corporate franchise/income taxes and pass-through entity issues. He began his career with the department in 2000 and has held his current position since 2010. He previously held positions with the department as an Office Auditor, Field Auditor, and Reviewer/Trainer in Audit Technical Services. Craig graduated from Edgewood College and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Non-Profit Board Essentials and Best Practices

Friday, January 13, 2017, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

John Decker, President, Wisconsin Council for Local History

Survey results show that many historical societies, regardless of size or mission, are interested in development and training of board members. This program will review the actions needed to achieve and maintain affiliation with the Wisconsin Historical Society and to pass muster in an IRS audit of management practices. It will also present business advice and a set of best practices that will appeal to current and prospective board members.

The presenter is corporate attorney John Decker, who has served on non-profit boards for more than forty years. He is the president of the Wisconsin Council for Local History and a past president of the State Bar of Wisconsin and of three diverse affiliates of the Wisconsin Historical Society—the Wisconsin Association of Historic Preservation Commissions, the Mid-Continent Railway Historical Society, and the Evansville Grove Society.

Heritage Tourism in Wisconsin

Wednesday, January 18, 2017, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Sarah Klavas, Assistant Secretary of Tourism

Join Deputy Secretary Sarah Klavas to learn more about the Department of Tourism’s marketing strategy and the work they do to promote Wisconsin. Klavas will talk about how Wisconsin’s heritage and culture help to define our unique sense of place. Wisconsin is full of stories that need to be told because we want to share of way of life, our experiences and our source of fun. Over the past 5 years, Travel Wisconsin has told these stories to millions of people around the world.

Find out how they do this work and learn some things that you may be able to incorporate in your own marketing plans.

A Primer on Research and Evaluation: What You Should Know

Wednesday, January 25, 2017, 10:30 – 12:00 pm

Conny Graft, Private Consultant, Research and Evaluation

How do you define success? What is it you want your visitors to know, feel and do as a result of an experience with your organization? Understanding the needs and interests of current and potential audiences is critical. Learn about the different types of evaluations and different methods you can use to collect feedback.

Conny Graft is a consultant in interpretive planning, research, and evaluation for nonprofits including museums, parks, zoos and healthcare organizations. Conny began consulting with nonprofits in 2000 while she was working for Colonial Williamsburg. In 2010, she retired from the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation where she worked for 27 years. During her time there she served in several different roles such as Director of Interpretive Planning, Director of Interpretive Education and Director of Research and Evaluation. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in American History at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine. She has also participated in many workshops and webinars with the American Evaluation Association and the Visitor Studies Association. Conny has served as a consultant for many organizations including: The International Coalition of Sites of Conscience, The Smithsonian Institution, The Pew Center for Arts and Heritage, The Bronx Zoo, The American Association of State and Local History, The National Trust for Historic Preservation and Sentara Health Care. She served as President of The Virginia Association of Museums and served on the board of The Visitor Studies Association and was editor of The Visitor Studies Journal. She is a faculty member of The Seminar for Historical Administration. Her prime interest is in helping nonprofits build capacity to articulate and evaluate their impact and learn how to apply those insights to provide more intentional and meaningful experiences.

FEBRUARY

Exhibits – Best Practices

Successful exhibitions provide physical, intellectual, and emotional connections to all visitors who engage with them. Learn about best practices in exhibition development and design, including audience identification, diverse interpretive strategies, and effective graphic and physical design.

Douglas Griffin is the Exhibit & Graphic Designer at the Wisconsin Historical Museum. Since 2005 he has designed exhibitions and environmental graphics targeted to a wide variety of audiences.

From Rutabagas to Roses: Recreating Historical Gardens

Learn about the joys and challenges of researching, planting, and maintaining historical gardens - with tips on how to succeed. A list of recommended seed and plant sources is included.

Marcia Carmichael, Old World Wisconsin's historical gardens coordinator and author of Putting Down Roots: Gardening Insights from Wisconsin's Early Settlers, will share her passion for historical accuracy and heirloom plants.

Top Ten Tips for Marketing Your Organization

From creating a consistent message to best practices in social media, learn our top 10 tips for promoting your organization. Topic include: Target Audience, Branding, Public Relations, Social Media, and Advertising.